NASA Axiom-4 Mission Launch Highlights: India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three fellow astronauts, launched into space on the Axiom-4 Mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 12:01 PM on Wednesday, June 25. The Ax-4 crew has docked at the International Space Station (ISS) space-facing port today, June 26 at nearly 4:00 PM IST.
The mission, a key step forward in commercial space exploration, is being conducted by Texas-based Axiom Space in partnership with SpaceX. The crew is aboard a SpaceX launch system, which includes the Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket.
Docking confirmed! pic.twitter.com/EK8Acky3V1
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 26, 2025
The Axiom-4 mission had faced several delays since its initial May 29 launch date. Issues ranged from technical glitches in the launch vehicle to concerns related to pressure fluctuations in the ISS’s Zvezda module. The module, which had shown signs of leakage as far back as 2019, underwent essential repairs before the current launch. Space agencies worked for years to resolve these issues to ensure a smooth and safe mission for the Ax-4 crew.
Axiom Mission 4 Launch Highlights: NASA Shubhanshu Shukla Axiom-4 Mission Launch Live Streaming
The family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut aboard the International Space Station (ISS), met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Thursday. CM Yogi felicitated Shukla’s parents, sister, and brother, acknowledging the pilot’s historic space journey aboard Axiom Mission 4.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Naidu hails Shubhanshu Shukla’s ISS journey as historic milestone
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday celebrated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s arrival at the International Space Station (ISS), calling it a proud moment for India. Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to reach the ISS, lifted off aboard the Axiom-4 mission in collaboration with NASA and Axiom Space. Naidu praised ISRO and the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the achievement, highlighting it as a step forward for New India. He also lauded ISRO’s joint science missions with NASA and wished the entire crew success, calling the journey an inspiration for future generations.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Shubhanshu Shukla becomes 634th Astronaut, reaches ISS with tiranga in hand
India's Shubhanshu Shukla made history on Thursday as he became the 634th astronaut to travel to space and entered the International Space Station after a 28-hour journey. Greeted warmly by Expedition 73 crew, Shukla expressed pride in carrying the Indian flag and said, “This is the first step of this journey.” Over the next 14 days, he and his team will conduct scientific experiments. Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Shukla said he felt overwhelmed by the warm reception and added, “Whatever expectations I had were surpassed by the view and by you all.”
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Shubhanshu Shukla says
I feel even better. My expectations have been surpassed by the view and current crew: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla from space station.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Happy to be here, says Peggy Whitson
Upon arriving at the International Space Station, Axiom Mission Commander Peggy Whitson smiled and waved to the camera, saying, “Happy to be here.”
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: NASA crew initiates safety checks before hatch opens for Ax-4 astronauts
NASA astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are carrying out essential safety procedures by stabilising pressure and conducting leak checks in the vestibule. These checks are mandatory before opening the hatch to allow the Axiom Mission 4 crew, including India’s Shubhanshu Shukla, to enter the station.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Shubhanshu Shukla’s family watches historic docking
As Indian astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla makes history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station, his family back home watches the live docking process with pride and emotion. The family, based in Lucknow, is closely following every moment of his journey. Later today, they are scheduled to meet Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who is expected to personally congratulate them on this national milestone.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Crew removes spacesuits
The four astronauts aboard Axiom Mission 4 are currently removing their spacesuits as they prepare to move inside the International Space Station.
A NASA astronaut currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will soon initiate the hatch opening procedure, allowing the newly arrived Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew to begin entering
After a journey of over 24 hours through space, the Dragon spacecraft carrying the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday. The docking took place at around 3:59 pm IST, marking a major milestone in the mission. Among the crew onboard is Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who became only the second Indian to travel to space and the first to reach the ISS.
Docking confirmed! pic.twitter.com/EK8Acky3V1
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) June 26, 2025
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: SpaceX Dragon inches closer to ISS after 24-hour orbital journey
After a journey of more than 24 hours since its launch from Florida, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is now flying directly above the International Space Station. The capsule is just 20 meters away from docking with the station, marking a crucial moment for the Axiom-4 mission.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Dragon spacecraft manoeuvres above ISS, begins docking sequence with live visuals
The Dragon spacecraft is now flying directly above the International Space Station, having transitioned from beneath the orbiting lab. As it prepares for soft capture, Dragon is transmitting real-time docking footage from inside the vehicle, offering a unique view of the final approach.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Shubhanshu Shukla shares update from space
The Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4) crew shared their first in-flight update from orbit early Wednesday, offering a glimpse into their experience aboard the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft en route to the International Space Station (ISS).
In a post on X, Axiom Space said, "Tune in LIVE with the #ax4 crew for their FIRST in-flight event at 01:47 AM EDT."
SpaceX also confirmed the interaction, posting, "First opportunity to talk live with the Ax-4 crew on-orbit will be in roughly 15 minutes at ~1:47 a.m. ET this morning."
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Axiom Mission 4 Set to Dock Early with International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) is preparing to receive the Axiom Mission 4 crew as their Dragon spacecraft approaches ahead of schedule. The capsule is now expected to autonomously dock at the station’s Harmony module around 6:18 a.m. EDT (3:48 p.m. IST) on Thursday.
The International Space Station shared the SpaceX Dragon as visible to them moving at more than 20,000 kmph. The capsule is relatively circling the earth 9 times per hour.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: First visuals of the ICC appear
Axiom Space revealed the first view of the International Space Station (ISS) as visible from the SpaceX Dragon. Shubhanshu Shukla and crew are back in their suits ready to approach the ISS.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Axiom Missions so far
Ax-1: The first private space exploration mission
Ax-2: First private mission to feature government-sponsored astronauts
Ax-3: First all European crew
Ax-4: Debut for three countries India, Hungary and Poland
The Ax-4 Crew has officially initiated communication with Expedition 73 on board the ISS. "Can't wait to see you!" says the ISS astronauts to the Shubhanshu Shukla-piloted crew in the SpaceX Dragon. They have officially made contact via the Big Loop connecting Houston, Florida, SpaceX Dragon and the ISS on one line.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Peggy Whitson updates
Approach and initiation is complete! With nearly 2 hours left, Peggy Whitson, commander of the Ax-4 crew has confirmed a successful initial process before the Dragon capsule.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Live stream begins!
The official SpaceX for Approach and Docking has begun! Viewers can view it on Webcast via the official X page of SpaceX, Axiom Space and NASA.
It will also be available on the NASA+ app. The docking is scheduled for 4:30 PM IST today!
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Three country collaboration
The Axiom-4 Mission scripted history for three countries and made pathway for their future in commercial space exploration. India, Poland and Hungary are the "rookies" on the Ax-4 crew, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla has achieved a new height with the successful launch of the SpaceX Dragon to the ISS.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: "Proud moment for India" says CM Yogi
CM Yogi congratulated Ax-4 Mission pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, the IAF Group Captain. He also applauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership, which helped India participate in the international space mission and showcase an unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and global collaboration.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Who is 'Joy' the swan?
'Joy' the swan is the Ax-4 crew's zero-gravity indicator for the SpaceX Dragon. Shubhanshu Shukla and crew took the small soft toy with them on the Axiom Mission 4 which is set to dock at the ISS today.
As per Shukla, the swan is a "symbol of wisdom in Indian culture".
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Namaskar from space
Shubhanshu Shukla made his second speech from space with Ax-4 crew of "one veteran and three rookies".
Shubhanshu Shukla made his second speech from space with Ax-4 crew of "one veteran and three rookies". says Shubhanshu as he adapts to zero-gravity living.
#watch | "Namaskar from space! I am thrilled to be here with my fellow astronauts. What a ride it was," says Indian astronaut Group Captain Subhanshu, who is piloting #axiommission4, as he gives details about his journey into space.
— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2025
Carrying a soft toy Swan, he says, in Indian… pic.twitter.com/Z09Mkxhfdj
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Chandrababu Naidu lauds liftoff
"Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force, the first ISRO astronaut headed to the International Space Station, the dreams of a billion Indians lift off alongside him. " shared the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister on X.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Docking to be complete today!
The SpaceX Dragon is set all set to dock at the International Space Station (ISS) today. Now on its way, it is 6 hours away. The Ax-4 mission, piloted by Shubhanshu Shukla is expected to reach at 4:30 PM IST today, June 26.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Dragon's 18th human spaceflight
Falcon 9 launched the Ax-4 at 12:01 PM. This was Dragon's 18th human spaceflight. It is currently operating at 26,502 kmph at an altitude of 413 km.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: MEA celebrates Shukla
Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal took pride in Shubhanshu Shukla's feat in commercial space exploraton. Marking the first Indian to go to the ISS, Jaiswal shared that he is set to " conduct microgravity experiments for R&D and academic institutions of India. "
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: Ax-4 crew joins Expedition 73
The four member crew of the Axiom 4 Mission will join the seven members present at the International Space Station (ISS) as a part of the Expedition 73 including NASA astronauts, Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky.
Axiom 4 Mission Launch Live Updates: "Historic day for India" remarks BJP MLA
The Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Science & Technology Department, Government of Rajasthan, Sanjay Sharma lauded Shubhanshu Shukla for the successful launch of the Axiom 4 Mission.
" After 41 years, an Indian is once again reaching for the stars — a proud testament to India’s scientific brilliance and aerospace excellence. "